Photos: 10 top trends for back to school

08.16.2013

1. Brights for girls
The biggest trend for fall is colour, both for boys and girls. There’s hardly a hue that isn’t in style this season, but for girls, the most popular colours fall in the pink-red-purple family. We’ve moved on from the princessy looks of the past few years, though. Expect to find these feminine shades in sporty jackets and cosy knits, and worn with tough-girl accoutrements like denim and boots.
Girls’ pink-and-grey-striped sweater with yellow elbow patches, $32.95, from Gap Kids, www.gapcanada.ca.

2. Brights for boys
Where boys often dwell in a world of dark neutrals, this fall they’re busting out in brights, jewel tones and autumnal hues. Look for chinos and skinny jeans in vivid blues and greens, tops in reds, yellows and oranges. Mix them up together or, for a more subtle look, especially for those kids who wear uniforms, you can also add colour in a fun beanie hat or bright shoelaces.
Men’s yellow-V-neck pullover, $19, from Joe Fresh stores, www.joefresh.com

3. Witty knits
One of the surprising new trends for girls is the popularity of knitwear, not just for teens, but also for girls in the “tween” age group of nine to 12. “Sweaters didn’t used to be big for this age group, but they’re really coming on,” says Linda Maslechko, CEO of the Triple Flip stores. Look for shawl collars, vibrant colours, sleek cardigans and especially for chunky knits with patterns and fun graphics knitted into them.
Women’s chunky-knit pullover with graphic “The End” message, $99, from Joe Fresh stores, www.joefresh.com

4. Denim for all
If you were only going to choose one wardrobe piece to update this fall, it would have to be a pair of jeans. Yes, traditional blues — in almost every wash — are still de rigueur, but what’s really of the moment is bright colours like magenta, blue or yellow and printed jeans in florals or other patterns. “Skinny, classic or colourful — denim dressing is a big trend for fall for boys and girls,” says Afiya Francisco, style expert for Target. “A denim shirt or jacket is also a must-have.”
Girls’ floral-print skinny jeans, $27.94, from Old Navy, www.oldnavy.ca

5. Sassy statements
After a few years in the back of the wardrobe, the graphic tee is back, for both girls and boys. It’s a whimsical way to add humour and personality to fashion. Think catchy slogans, cute images, clever cartoons and other fun ways to make a statement, in T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and chunky knit sweaters.
Girls’ intarsia dog sweater tunic $39.95, from Gap Kids, www.gapcanada.ca

6. Punk princesses
For girls, the big look this fall is the mix of girlie, preppy and punk worn all together at once. That means pairing, say, a heart-patterned skirt with a boyfriend sweater, or a pair of leopard leggings with a denim jacket or the season’s must-have “moto” jacket in faux leather. It’s a fun look that can include sequins, chiffon and motorcycle boots, but it’s also a look that’s easy to wear almost anywhere from school to playground to family dinner.
Girls’ full cotton poplin skirt in vintage style “heart stack” print, $66, by Crewcuts, available online only through www.jcrew.com

7. Perfect patterns
Dots with stripes? Stripes with flowers? Florals with animal prints? Sure, why not? It’s all cool in this season of colourful mash-ups. Animal prints, especially leopard, are the most popular for girls and are worn almost as a neutral. But we’re also seeing bold stripes and delicate dots, as well as fun florals.
Women’s navy striped pullover, $19, from Joe Fresh stores, www.joefresh.com

9. Camo cool
Just as leopard and other animal prints work almost as neutrals for girls, so it is with camouflage and plaid for boys. Far from its hunting and military traditions, camo is showing up in T-shirts and blazers, on shoes and other accessories. Like plaid, it pairs nicely with brights and evokes a sort of 1980s punk esthetic when used as background for quirky graphics and statements.
Boys’ unconstructed Ludlow cotton jacket in camo print, $148, by Crewcuts, available online only through www.jcrew.com

10. Varsity looks
If we’re seeing an echo of ’80s punk in the camo trend, it’s balanced by the preppy look of varsity style. T-shirts, jackets, hoodies and sweaters emblazoned with sports motifs and numbers are all the rage for boys this fall. They’re easy to wear and go with anything and (almost) anywhere, in brights and neutrals. Go, team!
Boys’ varsity shawl cardigan, $42.95, from Gap Kids, www.gapcanada.ca

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